Just as the Department is committed to advancing needed education reforms to improve educational outcomes for all students, we are also committed to supporting effective implementation of the ESEA and IDEA equitable services requirements by State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) in order to promote accountability for the implementation of those requirements for participating private school students and, as applicable, for their teachers and parents. Based on feedback from stakeholders, we believe there is an opportunity to improve implementation of the ESEA and IDEA equitable services requirements by SEAs and LEAs.

2. Which offices will be involved in implementing this plan?

The Department's Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII), Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) will be responsible for implementing this plan. OII's Office of Non-Public Education (ONPE) will take the lead in facilitating collaboration among these offices.

3. Where can I get more information about this plan?

In the upcoming weeks, OII/ONPE, OESE, and OSERS will host conference calls with constituencies to discuss the plan. Additional information will also be provided via the ONPE listserv and direct correspondence from the Department to SEAs, LEAs, Federal education program directors, and private school leaders.

4. Does this plan place new requirements on SEAs and LEAs?

No. This plan does not place any new requirements on SEAs and LEAs. Rather, it calls on them to meet their statutory obligations under current law to ensure the provision of ESEA and IDEA equitable services for eligible private school students and, as applicable, for their teachers and parents.

5. Will there be funding for this plan?

No additional funding is being provided for the implementation of this plan. The plan aligns with current statutory and regulatory requirements, Department processes, and protocols. Current provisions in the ESEA and IDEA require SEAs and LEAs to expend portions of their allocations under those laws to ensure the provision of equitable services for eligible private school students and, as applicable, their teachers and parents. Because there are Department staff, and should already be SEA and LEA staff, responsible for implementing such programs, there is no need for a separate funding stream.

6. Is the purpose of the plan to improve the implementation of the equitable services requirements under each law (ESEA and IDEA) as independent pieces of legislation or to find ways to coordinate the implementation of the laws?

The purpose of the plan is to improve the implementation of the equitable services requirements under both the ESEA and IDEA. SEAs and LEAs can do this in a variety of ways, including, to the extent practicable, coordinating the implementation of the equitable services requirements under the two laws.

7. If I have suggestions regarding the plan and/or promising practices to share, where should I send them?

Send your comments, suggestions, and/or promising practices regarding the implementation of the ESEA and IDEA equitable services requirements to ONPE@ed.gov. Include the acronym "ESIP" in the subject line.